UNESCO and urbanization

Abstract Ever since the Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat) in Vancouver in 1976, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has given priority to those aspects of human settlements closely related to its areas of competence; these concern research, training and information on man's habitat. The Second Medium-Term Plan of the organization for the years 1984–1989 lays special emphasis on Urban Systems and Urbanization, which form a separate programme (X7) and relate also to Project 11 of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB). Characterized by the desire to adopt a flexible approach to planning and management, the proposals are essentially oriented towards the development of practical solutions.